Importance of Site Visits in Community Based Participatory Research: Lessons from LiveWell Colorado

BACKGROUND: LiveWell Colorado (LWCO) funds underserved communities to develop and implement program, environmental and policy driven strategies to improve healthy eating and active living. Community coalitions lead the development and implementation of strategies in collaboration with LWCO's technical assistance coordinators and evaluators using a multi-sectoral approach (community, worksite, school, and healthcare). We use a logic model to outline the inputs, intervention strategies and outcomes to improve population-level health and thriving, empowered communities. Evaluation efforts focus on intermediate outcomes—community-level changes creating opportunities for increased healthy eating and physical activity. Our evaluation framework employs a mixed methods approach to assess community action plans and measure progress towards behavior change and sustainability of the coalition and its partnerships. PURPOSE: In this presentation, we describe how community site visits augment quantitative data collection methods and provide a comprehensive understanding of community-led initiatives. METHODS: Annual site visits include field observations, interviews, presentations of successful and challenging strategies, technical assistance, and photodocumentation. The LWCO evaluation team, technical assistance coordinator and key stakeholders meet with local evaluators, community partners, and residents to evaluate and learn from their community initiative. RESULTS: Site visits 1) build trust and rapport with community coordinators, local evaluators, community coalition members, and residents, 2) validate data collection methods, and 3) enhance stakeholders' understanding of the development, implementation, and sustainability of community strategies. CONCLUSION: Site visits augment quantitative data collection methods, strengthen essential relationships, and create opportunities for collaboration, and foster networking with other LWCO communities.